Fire destroys 2-story strip mall building in Marble Falls

  • The cause of the blaze, believed to have started on the first floor, is under investigation. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander
    The cause of the blaze, believed to have started on the first floor, is under investigation. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander
  • Around 7:15 p.m. the fire was 60% contained, authorities told The Highlander.
    Around 7:15 p.m. the fire was 60% contained, authorities told The Highlander.
  • The fire either destroyed or caused considerable smoke damage to more than half a dozen businesses in the two-story strip mall.
    The fire either destroyed or caused considerable smoke damage to more than half a dozen businesses in the two-story strip mall.
  • The fire either destroyed or caused considerable smoke damage to more than half a dozen businesses in the two-story strip mall.
    The fire either destroyed or caused considerable smoke damage to more than half a dozen businesses in the two-story strip mall.
  • The cause of the blaze, believed to have started on the first floor, is under investigation.
    The cause of the blaze, believed to have started on the first floor, is under investigation.
  • Fire crews from agencies including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals and Travis County Aerial Support assisted in dousing the blaze.
    Fire crews from agencies including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals and Travis County Aerial Support assisted in dousing the blaze.
  • At least one vehicle was destroyed when the fire at the China Kitchen building leapt into the parking lot.
    At least one vehicle was destroyed when the fire at the China Kitchen building leapt into the parking lot.
  • A fire engulfed a structure known as the China Kitchen building just after 6 p.m. in Marble Falls.
    A fire engulfed a structure known as the China Kitchen building just after 6 p.m. in Marble Falls.
  • The roadway was expected to remain closed on US 281 at least until about 8:30 or 9:30 p.m., according to Marble Falls Police Department.
    The roadway was expected to remain closed on US 281 at least until about 8:30 or 9:30 p.m., according to Marble Falls Police Department.
  • Fire crews from agencies including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals and Travis County Aerial Support assisted in dousing the blaze. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander
    Fire crews from agencies including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals and Travis County Aerial Support assisted in dousing the blaze. Photos by Connie Swinney/The Highlander

A fire engulfed a structure known as the China Kitchen building just after 6 p.m. Oct. 4 in Marble Falls, destroying more than half a dozen businesses in the two-story strip mall. No reports of anyone injured inside.

At least one vehicle was destroyed when the fire at the China Kitchen building, 705 First St., leapt into the parking lot on the west side of the building.

Fire crews from agencies including Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals and Travis County Aerial Support assisted in dousing the blaze from all sides of the building, adjacent to US 281.

Around 7:15 p.m. the fire was 60% contained, authorities told The Highlander. The roadway was expected to remain closed on US 281 at least until about 8:30 or 9:30 p.m., according to Marble Falls Police Department.

As the blaze spread, power was lost at businesses on and just off Main Street. Utility crews also responded to the scene. Marble Falls Area EMS remained on stand-by as crews battled through thick smoke and burning debris.

Hundreds of bystanders, including some of the business owner, watched as scorched building walls eventually crumbled.

The cause of the blaze, believed to have started on the first floor, is under investigation. Find more images and an update in the Friday, Oct. 6 issue of The Highlander.

connie@highlandernews.com.

 

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